15.6.2005

PR Statement SOK Group, Russia

SOK Group and Hella Autotechnik s.r.o. (HAT) have been working together in a number of Lighting Projects for the Automotive Industry in Russia and will continue their cooperation on a project by project basis.

The main activities of SOK group are focused on the production of parts for Automotive Industry. As of today, 20 plants orientated to production of car components and 3 carmakers belong to the group. SOK is the number one among producers of components in Russian market. SOK group is interested in creating joint production with significant foreign producers. Particularly, at present the Group successfully realizes a joint project with the KIA company (Korea) reproduction of KIA Spectra model in a factory OAO „IzAvto“.

Within a shared project, HAT is responsible for the development of headlamps and other lighting products according to technical specification agreed by a particular customer. HAT takes into account existing standard components currently produced at SOK group within the development.

On top of that, HAT and its suppliers are responsible for production of individual parts that are not produced in plants of SOK group. Assembly of lighting technology with Hella parts will be carried out on the Russian side. Products, manufactured are subject to strict quality control in line with world standard.

Assembly and testing equipment, important for joint cooperation, will be produced by HAT and handed over to a production plant of SOK group. Within the scope of the agreement, HAT will provide necessary support to SOK plants which is necessary for the assurance of reliable technology process and for the production of product which is of the top quality and able to compete.